Cornerstone University Hosts Grand Rapids Public Screening of New, Groundbreaking Documentary Truth Rising

Film Explores the Crisis Facing Western Civilization, Calls Christians to Act with Courage at Pivotal Crossroad

Cornerstone University will host a public screening for a new, groundbreaking documentary called Truth Rising. The 90-minute documentary will be followed by a live audience question and answer session with cast member John Stonestreet and Cornerstone University President Gerson Moreno-Riaño. Stonestreet also serves as the president of the Colson Center.

The public screening will be held on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone University’s Matthews Performing Arts Center, located at 3000 Leonard St. NE in Grand Rapids.

“Cornerstone University is honored to host Truth Rising and John Stonestreet on our campus,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “This powerful documentary from Focus on the Family and the Colson Center confronts the cultural moment we face — the decline of truth and virtue in Western civilization — and calls us back to the unchanging foundation of Jesus Christ. We share that conviction and are committed to forming leaders who live with wisdom, bold courage, and hope in service to God’s truth.”

Truth Rising examines the current state of Western civilization — crisis — and highlights the pivotal cultural moment in which we live. It also shares the stories of ordinary people who stood for truth, even when it cost them. The stories shared in the film include:

• Aayan Hirsi Ali, Founder of HAA Foundation: Despite death threats after the murder of filmmaking partner Theo van Gogh, Ayann courageously continues her work to end cultural practices, like those embraced by Islam, that violate the human rights of women.
• Winston Marshall, former banjoist for Mumford and Sons: Winston courageously left the band to protect his bandmates from relentless backlash against a tweet he shared supporting Unmasked, a pro-democracy, anti-Antifa New York Times best-seller.
• Chloe Cole – After regretting her gender transition as a minor, Chloe Cole detransitioned and in the face of backlash from the transgender community, now boldly warns families of the dangers of gender-affirming care for minors and works to end the gender ideology movement.
• Seth Dillon, CEO of Babylon Bee: When Babylon Bee’s Twitter account (now X) was suspended over a satirical post on gender ideology, CEO Seth Dillon courageously declined to delete it, defending democratic public discourse despite threat of permanent suspension.
• Jack Philips, Owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop: Jack demonstrated courage by declining to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, standing up for religious liberty — a stance that took him all the way to the Supreme Court.
• Katy Faust, Founder of Them Before Us: Katy boldly continued advocating for the rights of children in the family even after a gay blogger doxed members of her church to silence her.

The film also includes conversations about the state of our civilization with prominent speakers from all over the world — both Christian and secular, seasoned leaders and bold advocates — each offering honest, thought-provoking insight into how we can live with truth and courage in a world desperate for clarity.

To view a trailer of Truth Rising, visit https://youtu.be/U4_hJpE7VgI.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. To reserve your spot at the Grand Rapids Truth Rising screening, visit ColsonCenter.org/GrandRapids.

About Cornerstone University: Cornerstone University is an accredited Christian university with a passion for influence through the transforming power of the gospel. As an interdenominational institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cornerstone offers 65 plus undergraduate and graduate traditional and online degree programs, including the nation’s first smartphone-streaming bachelor’s degree program in business.

About the Colson Center: The Colson Center exists to equip Christians with the clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Our podcasts and digital resources, including Breakpoint, the Identity Project, and the What Would You Say? video series equip hundreds of thousands of Christians each year with the clarity they need to celebrate good, resist evil, create what’s missing, and restore what’s broken right where God has placed them. Our formation programs, Colson Fellows and Colson Educators, have equipped thousands of men and women to pursue their vocational callings and daily lives with a courageous faith.

About Focus on the Family: Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive in Christ. Each year, we provide biblical resources and guidance to millions of families, strengthening marriages, equipping parents, advocating for children and engaging the culture with truth. As culture shifts, truth remains—unchanging and foundational. Through resources like Truth Rising, we empower families to stand firm in their faith and navigate today’s world with clarity and conviction. To learn more, visit Focus at FocusOnTheFamily.com.